Isaac Alstad – The Carousel – A Neoclassical Waltz Through the Cycles of Joy
April 25, 2025
rooom – Elbrus
May 9, 2025
The State Between Waking and Sleeping
There is a magical threshold of consciousness—a “liminal space”—where the rigid rules of reality soften, and the impossible becomes plausible. It is that feeling of daydreaming on a rainy afternoon, or the hazy, golden moments just before falling asleep. The French have a beautiful phrase for this: un rêve éveillé, or “a waking dream.”
In his latest release, the gifted pianist and composer Martin Böhmer translates this ethereal state into a tangible sonic experience. Released via the tastemaker label Klangspot Nu Classical, this track is an invitation to close your eyes while keeping your mind wide open. It is a soundtrack for the imagination, a gentle guide into the subconscious.
Deconstructing the Dream
Capturing the sensation of a dream requires a delicate touch. If the music is too loud or structured, it wakes the listener up. If it is too formless, it becomes forgettable background noise. Böhmer walks this tightrope with the grace of a master.
The Delicate Interplay: The track is defined by the relationship between melody and harmony. Böhmer weaves intricate melodic lines that float above a stable, comforting harmonic bed. This interplay mimics the logic of a dream: a stream of vivid, shifting thoughts grounded by a deep sense of emotional truth.
The “Felt” Atmosphere: While not explicitly stated in every technical note, the texture of the recording likely employs the soft, muted aesthetic common in modern neoclassical piano. This softens the percussive attack of the keys, making the notes sound like they are emerging from a mist rather than being struck by a hammer.
The Emotional Arc: Dreams are rarely static; they move. Similarly, “un rêve éveillé” takes the listener on a journey. It begins with a sense of “serene” calm, perhaps representing the initial drift into reverie, and builds with “technical finesse” into moments of greater intensity, representing the peaks of lucidity where the dream feels most real.
Martin Böhmer: The Architect of Reverie
Martin Böhmer is establishing himself as a distinct voice in the neoclassical landscape. Unlike composers who rely on electronic embellishments or orchestral swells, Böhmer trusts the solo piano to do the heavy lifting. He understands that eighty-eight keys are enough to paint an entire universe if played with enough sensitivity.
This release highlights his “exceptional talent and artistic vision.” He is not just playing notes; he is manipulating time and space. His use of rubato—the subtle speeding up and slowing down of tempo—gives the track a human, breathing quality. It feels organic, like a pulse, rather than mechanical. This human element is what allows the listener to connect so deeply; we are not listening to a performance, we are sharing a dream.
The Value of Daydreaming
In our productivity-obsessed culture, daydreaming is often dismissed as a waste of time. We are told to focus, to hustle, to stay sharp. Martin Böhmer offers a counter-argument. Through music, he validates the act of letting the mind wander.
Psychologically, these moments of “waking sleep” are crucial for creativity and mental health. They allow the brain to process complex emotions and make unexpected connections. By providing a soundtrack for this state, “un rêve éveillé” becomes a functional tool for well-being. It creates a safe container where the listener can disconnect from the demands of the external world and reconnect with their inner landscape.
When to Enter the Dream
The mesmerizing nature of this track makes it suitable for a variety of settings where calm and focus are required:
Creative Visualization: If you are an artist, writer, or designer, play this track before you start working. Let the “dream-like state” loosen your inhibitions and open the floodgates of ideas.
Deep Reading: The narrative quality of the piano pairs perfectly with fiction. It provides an emotional backdrop without the distraction of lyrics.
The Midday Reset: Instead of reaching for a second coffee, take five minutes to listen to this track. Close your eyes and let yourself drift. You will return to your tasks feeling refreshed, as if you’ve taken a power nap.
Mindful Commuting: Transform a stressful train ride or drive into a moment of peace. Let the scenery blur past the window while the music turns the commute into a cinematic montage.
A Gem in the Klangspot Crown
The release of “un rêve éveillé” on Klangspot Nu Classical further cements the label’s reputation for curating music with soul. They understand that their audience isn’t just looking for “chill beats”; they are looking for art that moves them. Böhmer’s track fits perfectly into this catalog, sitting alongside other emotive works that prioritize beauty and emotional resonance.
Wake Up to the Dream
Reality can be harsh, loud, and demanding. But Martin Böhmer reminds us that we have the power to step away, if only for a few minutes. “un rêve éveillé” is your ticket to a softer, kinder world.
Close your eyes and listen. Subscribe to the official Klangspot Recordings YouTube Channel for more mesmerizing neoclassical piano music.
